GRAVETTE — Sure sorry to hear about your broken arm. How did it happen? Yes, I am talking to you, the feller who said he would write me a check as soon as he got home where his checkbook had been inadvertently left. I know the intention was pure; I could see it in your eyes and I am not dunning you for the money, just wondering how you are getting along.

I didn’t really need that old truck or the hay rake that I let you take with you. The truck was a dandy in its day and still running good, but I had to get a new one or pay more to your Uncle Sam. The hay rake was an extra one sitting around just rusting and you said you would sure like to have it because yours was froze up and wouldn’t work at all.

The mail man apologized again today for not bringing your check to me. He said it might be held up in St. Louis or Denver, the offices there had lots to do. I understand they are working as fast as possible and I don’t hold them accountable for the mail running a tad late. You know they hardly take any breaks and their pay is pretty sad too. I am pretty sure they are just barely making it, like us cattlemen and farmers.

My oldest Grand asked about the truck because he figured he might get to drive it in a couple of years. I had to explain to him wegave it away but that you, the feller who looked so downright honest, probably would pay for it and we might put the money in a savings account for him. He wiped the tears running down his cheeks and acknowledged you might need it worse than him right now.

The old rake wasn’t much, but then I didn’t ask much for it either. I figure it worked for us for 22 years and you could get another 10 out of it. You mentioned that your place wasn’t very big and the old rake was just the size you needed. My close relative sold eggs and cream for usto buy it and we paid cash, just like you are gonna do. A good piece of equipment is worth a lot to a working man like yourself.

I sure am glad you didn’t really need that one-horse trailer I tried to sell you. It might have been just too much for you to handle right now, cash wise. I figure you can ride that good horse you spoke of to wherever you need him to be, and when you collect that $500 stud fee you are sure to get, maybe we can talk about the trailer again.

I hope you don’t get that hay wet that you intend to cut this week. I figure afeller who is as wise as you would surely check the weather on your iPad you showed me before starting on the good hay.

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, trusting an honest face and a good handshake is powerful business. You can always trust your judgment; if not the first time around, the second and third times are easier to take. My close relative has promised not to say any more about the deal and I am right proud of that!

Bill is a pen name used by the Gravette author of this weekly column.

Opinion, Pages 6 on 04/25/2012